418 Squadron was officially formed at RAF Debden, Essex, equipped with Douglas DB-7 Boston III aircraft, primarily assigned night fighter duties.

Wing Commander G.H. Gatheral appointed as the first Officer Commanding (OC).

Position of Adjutant assigned to Pilot Officer W.H. Hollam.

Adjutant changed to Pilot Officer A.C. Wilson, indicating early administrative shifts.

Squadron transferred to RAF Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, to continue its night operations in a more strategically favorable location.

Wing Commander A.E. Saunders took over as OC, bringing new leadership amidst intensifying war efforts.

Transition of aircraft establishment to specialize Boston III in an Intruder role, marking a strategic shift towards aggressive night-time raids into enemy territory.

Began converting to Mosquito IV, a more advanced and versatile aircraft suited for the squadron’s evolving roles.

Squadron moved to RAF Ford, Sussex, enhancing operational capabilities with better access to European targets.

Fully re-equipped with De Havilland Mosquito VI fighter-bombers, significantly boosting the squadron’s effectiveness in precision bombing and reconnaissance.

Flight Officer R.H. Johnson appointed as Adjutant.

Wing Commander P.Y. Davoud, DFC, took command, leading the squadron through some of its most critical operations over Europe.

Wing Commander D.C.S. MacDonald, DFC, succeeded Davoud as OC.

Wing Commander R.J. Bennell, DFC, assumed command but was reported missing on March 9, 1944.

Squadron Leader H.S. Lisson, DFC, took over as OC.

Transferred to RAF Holmsley South, Hampshire, to participate in preparations for the Normandy invasion.

Moved operations to RAF Hum, Hampshire, and later to RAF Middle Wallop, Hampshire on July 29, 1944, to support the Normandy landings and subsequent operations.

Relocated to RAF Hunsdon, Hertfordshire, to better position for missions into the heart of occupied Europe.

Wing Commander R. Bannock, DFC, took over as OC, leading the squadron during intense combat operations.

Wing Commander J.C. Wickett became OC; and was taken prisoner of war on February 22, 1945.

Squadron transferred to RAF Hartford Bridge, Hampshire and reformed under Second Tactical Air Force, No. 2 (Bomber) Group, No. 136 (RAF) Wing, highlighting its strategic importance.

418 Squadron moved to B 71, Coxyde, Belgium, for final operations in the European theatre.

Final wartime transfer to B.80 Volkel, Netherlands, where it remained until September 7, 1945.

Wing Commander H.D. Cleveland, DFC, took command during the final months of the squadron’s involvement in WWII.

Reformed as Fighter Bomber Squadron based in Edmonton, Alberta, under the command of W/C D.R. Jacox, AFC. Initially flying Harvards and Mosquito aircraft, the squadron shifted focus towards peacetime military training and regional defense.

Redesignated as a Light Bomber Squadron, transitioning to B-25 Mitchell bombers and C-45 Expeditor aircraft to perform light bombing and reconnaissance missions.

Briefly redesignated as a Tactical Bomber Squadron, emphasizing tactical support for ground forces and precision bombing.

Returned to the designation of Light Bomber Squadron, continuing its role in tactical bombing and regional defense operations.

Began regular summer training operations, which became a staple activity, ensuring readiness and operational proficiency. The first such training occurred in Gimli, Manitoba.

Officially renamed the 418 (City of Edmonton) Light Bomber Squadron (Auxiliary), cementing its ties with the local community and acknowledging its dual role in military and civic engagements.

Conducted annual summer training in various locations across Canada, including Calgary, Alberta; Hamilton, Ontario; and Summerside, PEI, among others. These training sessions were critical for maintaining the skills and readiness of the squadron's personnel.

Moved to RCAF Station Namao, north of Edmonton, transitioning to a base with better facilities and infrastructure, enhancing the squadron's operational capabilities.

Introduced the De Havilland DHC-3 Otter, marking the beginning of the "Otter Era." The aircraft was praised for its outstanding short-field capabilities and versatility, ideal for Canada’s challenging terrains.

Transitioned to using the T-33 Silver Star as an armament trainer, marking the squadron's foray into jet training. This era included the integration of advanced training techniques and equipment.

Integrated into the Canadian Armed Forces as 418 City of Edmonton Air Reserve Squadron under Mobile Command, reflecting a broader restructuring of the military reserves and emphasizing the squadron's importance in national defense strategy.

Tasked with light transport and security duties during the Montreal Summer Olympic Games, showcasing its versatility and capacity to support national events.

Regular participation in summer training at locations such as CFB Comox and CFB Yellowknife, ensuring continuous improvement in operational tactics and readiness.

Redesignated as 418 Transport and Rescue Squadron, focusing primarily on transport and search and rescue missions, before its eventual disbandment in 1994.

The 418 Squadron was reactivated in 2019 as the "418 Search and Rescue Operational Training Squadron" at 19 Wing Comox. This strategic move aimed to bolster the Royal Canadian Air Force's SAR capabilities, focusing on specialized training for aircrew and maintenance personnel on the CC-295 Kingfisher, ensuring readiness for SAR missions across Canada's vast and challenging terrains.

418 Comox Government of Canada Website